Court: Drug Program May Go Forward

The Michigan Court of Appeals on Thursday lifted a circuit judge's order that blocked a new state plan to reduce rising drug costs for low-income patients.

The state Department of Community Health said the appeals court lifted an injunction issued by Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Glazer, which blocked the program scheduled to begin Jan. 14. The program is now scheduled to go into effect Feb. 1.

The state plan allows doctors to prescribe only certain discounted medications to the 1.6 million low-income patients who rely on state aid, including Medicaid and programs for infants and the elderly. Doctors must get authorization for medications not on the list.

A coalition of drug companies sued the state, saying the plan would limit patient access to certain drugs. Among the drugs not on the list are Ritalin, the anti-depressant Prozac and the antibiotic Cipro.

On Jan. 7, Glazer said the state overstepped its authority because it didn't get approval for the plan from the full Legislature. The state then filed an emergency appeal.

"We are extremely pleased to move forward with our efforts to offer high-quality health care to low-income Michigan citizens while prudently managing costs," James Haveman, director of the Department of Community Health, said Thursday in a news release.

A spokesman for the drug companies said his organization was reviewing the appeals court decision.

"We are disappointed that patients could be subjected to procedures that could be harmful to them, but we're confident we'll make that case in court," said Bruce Lott, a spokesman for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.